Flat powder horns at JAS Townsend

**Nighthawk** · 3rd June 11, 10:49 PM

Originally Posted by Brasilikilt

I've made about 15-20 powder horns, and am quite familiar with the smell :-)
For flat powder horns I've had better luck dunking the horn in hot veg. oil for a few seconds and then pressing between 2 flat boards with a vise and screw clamps.
It's a lot less stinky and goes faster than a long boil in water.

While these horns look like a good deal for the money, it's a lot more fun and satisfying to make your own...but that's just me :-)

If you keep an eye on the DIY section, you'll find that I love doing it myself, and do indeed find it to be very rewarding. I have 2 horns that I have cleaned and polished- which in itself turned out to be a smelly project- so I may have to give it a shot!

**Matt Richards** · 30th August 11, 03:11 PM

I've been looking for a flat powderhorn for ages on eBay, but every one goes for at least $40, so finding out about these was perfect. Mine arrived yesterday and I've already hauled out some old printmaking tools to try my hand at some scrimshaw. I wonder how well black ink would show up on these dark horns ...

**fshguy** · 31st August 11, 07:24 AM

I know absolutely nothing about powder horns, but I did notice that Crazy Crow Trading Post has flat horns as well. http://www.crazycrow.com/mm5/merchan...de=800-300-000

**piperdbh** · 31st August 11, 10:07 AM

Originally Posted by Nighthawk

Boiling horns stink!

That's not an expression I use in everyday conversation.

I imagine it's similar to the smell of making your own marshmallows.

**Drac** · 31st August 11, 10:21 AM

Originally Posted by piperdbh

That's not an expression I use in everyday conversation.

I imagine it's similar to the smell of making your own marshmallows.

Having done both and burned bone in knife making, making your own marshmallows doesn't smell as bad but you are right that making marshmallows and divinity is not as nice smelling as you would think.

Jim

**Taygrd** · 2nd September 11, 07:01 AM

Water Buffalo horns are perhaps the worst smelling horn I have ever worked with. I have never boiled on however

**Brasilikilt** · 2nd September 11, 08:04 AM

Another less smelly option is to use heat.
Use a heat gun, or even a hot burner plate to soften the horn.
It takes a while, but the horn tends to keep it's shape a lot better.
If the smell bothers you guys so much, it may be worth the extra time, while having other advantages.

**Taj** · 2nd September 11, 10:23 AM

I ordered one back when you first posted this. Since then I got so busy in music I haven't had time to commission it. It will be great for primer powder.

Will you be at Ft. Lupton next weekend for the dedication? I will be there the evening of 9-9 playing tunes in the 1st Colorado Volunteers Civil War Band. Say hi to the soldier's guide if you are around. I'll be the mountain man playing tuba.

**Nighthawk** · 12th September 11, 05:57 PM

Originally Posted by Taj

I ordered one back when you first posted this. Since then I got so busy in music I haven't had time to commission it. It will be great for primer powder.

Will you be at Ft. Lupton next weekend for the dedication? I will be there the evening of 9-9 playing tunes in the 1st Colorado Volunteers Civil War Band. Say hi to the soldier's guide if you are around. I'll be the mountain man playing tuba.

CRAP!!! CRAPCRAPCRAPCRAP!! I forgot about the dedication... Damnit!! And so many other explatives I can't use on this board... I so wanted to go. I knew there was something I was forgetting...

**Taj** · 12th September 11, 08:41 PM

Woah, bummer! You missed a real good one. It was a rendezvous worthy of the old trappers. I'm sure I felt some there, Bridger, Fitzpatrick, Carson, they were all there.